Should I get a Kona Rove ST?
03-11-20, 03:25 PM
#1
Should I get a Kona Rove ST?
I recently posted that I'm in the market for a new bike. I really appreciated everyone's help and comments. Thought about it more and done more research. (Yes, I'm in analysis paralysis.) I test rode the Kona Rove ST today. I REALLY liked it. A lot. I'm not crazy about the price though. What do y'all think about it?
To review, the bike, for now, will be my only bike. Mostly road. I'll be using it as a car replacement. I wanted:Endurance-y Road Geometry
Steel
Disc Brakes
Fender/Rack mounts
Integrated shifters, ideally SRAM
A frame worth keeping and/or upgrading.
This bike checks all the boxes--with the exception that I can't speak to how great Kona steel frames are. I really love it. Comfortable, perfect geometry (I can see traffic well but still roadish enough). What I don't like is the price... but I can swing it. Any warnings or words of caution before I pull the trigger?
To review, the bike, for now, will be my only bike. Mostly road. I'll be using it as a car replacement. I wanted:Endurance-y Road Geometry
Steel
Disc Brakes
Fender/Rack mounts
Integrated shifters, ideally SRAM
A frame worth keeping and/or upgrading.
This bike checks all the boxes--with the exception that I can't speak to how great Kona steel frames are. I really love it. Comfortable, perfect geometry (I can see traffic well but still roadish enough). What I don't like is the price... but I can swing it. Any warnings or words of caution before I pull the trigger?
03-11-20, 03:29 PM
#2
Globo Gym lifetime member
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You want endurance road geometry, but choose a gravel bike. It'll be heavier and slower than an endurance road bike. Cable-actuated disc brakes are shrug-worthy. "Integrated shifters" have been industry standard for about 20 years now.
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03-11-20, 03:33 PM
#3
As far as the shifters, on most bikes yes, on many of the touring bikes that potentially match my criteria, not always.
03-11-20, 03:38 PM
#4
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It sounds like you've already made up your mind...
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03-11-20, 03:58 PM
#5
In the wind
Seems like a nice enough bike, but it has a couple of negatives in my book:
- 650b wheels (although you can easily fit 700c for extra $$, not worth it unless you are buying a really small size or want fat tires)
- 1X drivetrain
- mechanical disc brakes
Lots of folks around here with Kona bikes, quality seems ok
- 650b wheels (although you can easily fit 700c for extra $$, not worth it unless you are buying a really small size or want fat tires)
- 1X drivetrain
- mechanical disc brakes
Lots of folks around here with Kona bikes, quality seems ok
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03-11-20, 04:46 PM
#6
Seems like a nice enough bike, but it has a couple of negatives in my book:
- 650b wheels (although you can easily fit 700c for extra $$, not worth it unless you are buying a really small size or want fat tires)
- 1X drivetrain
- mechanical disc brakes
Lots of folks around here with Kona bikes, quality seems ok
- 650b wheels (although you can easily fit 700c for extra $$, not worth it unless you are buying a really small size or want fat tires)
- 1X drivetrain
- mechanical disc brakes
Lots of folks around here with Kona bikes, quality seems ok
03-11-20, 05:33 PM
#7
In the wind
Available? Certainly, here's a smoking deal:
https://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bike/equilibrium-disc-20
725 steel with 105, hydro brakes and a carbon fork
03-11-20, 06:16 PM
#8
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Yes you should get the Kona. Those fat 47mm tires are great for city streets. Wheels/tires are tubeless ready.
The only issue is the somewhat narrow gear range. If you live in a very hilly place you might want a smaller chainring, which takes away from your high end. But that 11-42 cassette with 1x seems very popular, so it can't be that bad.
The only issue is the somewhat narrow gear range. If you live in a very hilly place you might want a smaller chainring, which takes away from your high end. But that 11-42 cassette with 1x seems very popular, so it can't be that bad.
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03-11-20, 07:28 PM
#9
Senior Member
Here's just another possible way to do it: https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/contend-ar-1-2020
03-11-20, 08:30 PM
#10
Senior Member
If your city roads require gravel geometry and handling, then sure, get a gravel bike. If you're riding pavement all of the time, why bother with the extra weight of a gravel bike and the pain in the butt of finding 650B road tires?
It sounds like you've already made up your mind...
It sounds like you've already made up your mind...
I would think hydro should be. Kona tends to cost more then competitors in my experience but they are also very adept and confidence inspiring so typically worth the difference.
03-11-20, 08:46 PM
#11
Sunshine
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https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ribble-cgr-725/
multiple options and the 1x has hydraulic brakes and a carbon fork for the same price as the Kona.
It checks all your other boxes too.
The 650 wheelset isnt what i would want, but you can get high quality 650 tires that are fast. 1x also isnt what I would want, but I get that many people do like it.
Kona is a reputable brand and has had a bunch of steel frame bikes thru the years.
When a brand doesnt release details about its steel frame, it's usually because it is simple/basic/nothing to highlight. That doesnt mean it's bad, it just means it is typically thicker and uses less strength enhancing features. It isnt heat treated or air hardened because if it were, Kona would mention so. It's maybe 9/6/9 butting or 1/7/1 perhaps, which will be thicker than the 725 tubing used on the Ribble bike.
In the end, geometry is most important. If it fits you well and you like how it rides, that's key.
multiple options and the 1x has hydraulic brakes and a carbon fork for the same price as the Kona.
It checks all your other boxes too.
The 650 wheelset isnt what i would want, but you can get high quality 650 tires that are fast. 1x also isnt what I would want, but I get that many people do like it.
Kona is a reputable brand and has had a bunch of steel frame bikes thru the years.
When a brand doesnt release details about its steel frame, it's usually because it is simple/basic/nothing to highlight. That doesnt mean it's bad, it just means it is typically thicker and uses less strength enhancing features. It isnt heat treated or air hardened because if it were, Kona would mention so. It's maybe 9/6/9 butting or 1/7/1 perhaps, which will be thicker than the 725 tubing used on the Ribble bike.
In the end, geometry is most important. If it fits you well and you like how it rides, that's key.
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03-11-20, 09:55 PM
#12
Senior Member
The Kona I had rode well.
03-12-20, 07:37 AM
#13
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You aren't crazy about the price and you think you might want to change 1x to 2x. Might be a hint there but does that override the positive hints? I don't know. There are a lot of good bikes out there. I don't think any sell a bad bike, just maybe not the right bike for any particular individual.
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